Niall Horan, former One Direction star, shares his anxious first encounter with David Beckham, the Manchester United and England legend. Despite initial nerves, Horan quickly discovered Beckham’s genuine charm.
First Meeting at One Direction Concert
Horan, 32, recounted the moment during an appearance on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast alongside Manchester United icons Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, and comedian Paddy McGuinness. When asked about the most famous footballer at a One Direction show, Horan named Beckham, noting the entire family attended the gig.
“I was definitely looking for him,” Horan told Scholes. “Becks has that… he’s a f*****g handsome b*****d isn’t he?”
Describing the pre-concert meeting at Staples Center in Los Angeles in 2013, Horan said: “We didn’t know what to think. It was bonkers. He came in before the gig to say hello, and I’ve met him a few times since and he’s such a nice fella, but you build it up in your head don’t you? But you get there and he’s just a lovely fella.”
Right after the performance, Horan posted on X: “Met our footballing hero! Mr David Beckham! He brought the boys and his little girl to see us! What a nice man! So courteous!”
Mutual Admiration Between Stars
The respect runs both ways. In 2015, Beckham shared a video of himself lip-syncing to One Direction’s hit ‘Steal My Girl.’ He later congratulated the band—featuring Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and the late Liam Payne, who passed away in October 2024—on their fifth anniversary.
In the clip, Beckham stated: “Boys, what can I say? Five years and you’ve given so much to so many people. Unbelievably talented but more importantly unbelievable guys. Congratulations – five years of incredible moments.”
One Direction formed on The X Factor in 2010, achieved global fame, and disbanded in January 2016.
Horan’s Passion for Football and Golf
Horan pursues a solo music career while embracing sports. He attended Liverpool’s Premier League match against Manchester United in October 2025.
He also partnered with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group for the Technology Golf League (TGL), co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Their franchise, Boston Common Golf, stems from Horan’s investment group, Greenbridge Ventures.
“Golf has been a lifelong passion of mine and I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting new venture alongside my investment group, Greenbridge Ventures, in partnership with Fenway Sports Group and Rory, who has been a long-time friend,” Horan said in 2024.
